Contentious Political Races

As the race to represent the 6th Congressional District in Massachusetts continues to hold interest nationally, the Republican candidate looking to unseat the embroiled U.S. Rep. John Tierney, D-Salem, is receiving increased support from the GOP in Washington.

Although Berle didn't immediately respond to a request for a comment on Wednesday, the Maine native told MetroWeekly.com that working for Tisei, an openly gay Republican, was a natural fit considering his group has helped boost the candidate's efforts over the past year.

When previously interviewed by The Republican and MassLive.com in relation to LGBT issues in politics, Berle said that if Tisei won, it could help sway the opinions of other GOP lawmakers on LGBT issues.

"It is absolutely critical," Berle said of Tisei's potential election to Congress. "I believe Sen. Scott Brown would open his ear to a friend and colleague and it may change some of his views. We were lucky to have (former U.S. Rep.) Jim Kolbe (R-Arizona) in Congress. In that position, he spoke in conference when his colleagues needed to hear the voice of a gay man. It is extremely important for Republicans to hear from one of their peers on how a potential piece of legislation might affect them."

(Courtesy Photo)Christian Berle, former deputy executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, has joined the communications team for Richard Tisei's Congressional campaign.

Tierney has been embroiled at the edges of an ongoing scandal in which his wife and brother-in-law have been convicted of crimes and served time in jail for their respective roles in relation to an illegal gambling operation in Antigua. Tierney has said that he knew of the gambling operation, but thought it was legal.

Tisei has capitalized on the controversy and hit Tierney over it at every opportunity. But as media outlets reported on Tuesday, Seth Moulton, an independent, is seriously considering jumping in the race as well.

Taking over Berle's position with the Log Cabin Republicans on an interim basis is Don R. Bramer, a businessman, former presidential appointee, and military veteran.

"Log Cabin is fortunate to have Don's skills and experience to lead our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts at this critical time," said R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of the group, in a press release. "His twenty years of private sector, public policy and political experience have prepared him to increase our role as a key player in building an inclusive Republican Party during the 2012 election cycle. Log Cabin Republicans members and chapters will be mobilizing to support our endorsed candidates and allies."